A Year of Resilience: UNLV Honors Victims, Demands Hostage Release on Oct. 7 Anniversary

One year after the horrific October 7th Hamas attacks in Israel, the UNLV community gathered for a powerful vigil, transforming grief into a resolute call for justice and the immediate release of hostages. Organized by UNLV’s Chabad chapter and Hillel, the event served as a somber yet unifying platform for students, faculty, and local dignitaries to remember the lives lost and stand in solidarity with those still suffering.

The campus’s Pida Plaza became a poignant assembly ground, illuminated by candles and a collective resolve.

Rabbi Mendy Harlig of UNLV Chabad opened the vigil, his voice echoing the profound sorrow for the more than 1,200 innocent lives brutally taken and the over 250 individuals abducted. “Today we mark one year,” Rabbi Harlig stated, underscoring the enduring pain and the urgency of bringing the remaining hostages home.

Among the most heart-wrenching testimonies was that of Sam Zehavi, a former Israeli soldier and a cousin to one of the hostages, Omer Wenkert.

Zehavi’s plea was deeply personal and universal, reflecting the anguish of families torn apart by this conflict. He shared the harrowing reality of his cousin’s captivity, a young man who was spending the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah with friends when he was seized. Zehavi emphasized the humanitarian crisis, reminding everyone that innocent civilians, many of whom are American citizens, remain in captivity, their fates uncertain.

The vigil drew significant support from local political figures, signaling a broad condemnation of terrorism and a commitment to human rights.

Congresswoman Susie Lee eloquently denounced Hamas’s actions, reiterating the bipartisan support for Israel’s security and calling for global efforts to secure the hostages’ freedom. “We stand with Israel,” she declared, highlighting the shared values of peace and justice that unite communities.

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman also expressed her unwavering support for the Jewish community and condemned the atrocities committed.

Her presence, alongside Councilwoman Melissa Blundo, underscored the local government’s solidarity during a time of international crisis, emphasizing that such acts of terror have no place in a civilized world.

The vigil’s atmosphere was a delicate balance of sorrow and strength. Participants lit candles, each flame a silent prayer for the victims and a beacon of hope for the hostages’ return.

The collective recitation of Psalms offered solace, while the singing of “Hatikvah,” Israel’s national anthem, resonated with a powerful message of endurance and the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.

This event at UNLV was more than just a commemoration; it was a resounding affirmation of human dignity, a defiant stand against hatred, and a fervent demand for the return of every single hostage.

It served as a stark reminder that while a year has passed, the pain and the fight for justice continue, urging the world not to forget those who are still held captive.